Local jazz group plans two fundraising concerts to pay for travel to play in NYC Jazz Festival

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Jazz fundraiser

What: Young members of the local jazz band Post-Modern Prohibition will perform two concerts to raise money for their trip to play at the New York City Jazz Festival April 18-21 in New York.When: 6:30 and 8 p.m. SaturdayWhere: Ceruti's Summit Park, 6601 Innovation Blvd.Cost: $25 per person in advance for the 6:30 p.m. show, which includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks; $5 at the door for the second show. To order tickets in advance, email Dave Nelson at dnelson@pchelp service.com.

It's a young musician's dream, and an experience they hope will be a springboard to achieving many other dreams.

The four members of local jazz group Post-Modern Prohibition are scheduled to take the stage April 20 for three or four songs at the New York City Jazz Festival April 18-21 at Lincoln Center in New York. The band will play back-to-back performances Saturday night at Ceruti's Summit Park to raise money to make the trip.

The first show at 6:30 p.m. will include hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance by emailing Dave Nelson at dnelson@pchelpservice.com.

The second show at 8 p.m. is open to anyone for $5 at the door. Food and drinks will be extra.

The band, also known as the Sweetwater Jazz Project, plays bebop to 1970s fusion jazz, said Leland Nelson, the bass guitarist.

Other group members include Travis Lyons, guitar; Evan Gidley, saxophone; and Sean Parr, drums. All are in high school or college.

At the fundraising concerts, they'll play most of their original tunes as well as some music by other artists, Nelson said. Depending on who is there, the second concert also may feature additional local musicians sitting in, including Leland's father, Dave, on bass and Parr's father, Al, on trumpet.

Leland Nelson believes they have raised about 15 percent of the approximately $1,000 per person needed to make the trip. Sweetwater Sound, where they rehearse, has offered to match what they raise dollar-for-dollar.

Nelson said band members are ready for the New York City Jazz Festival. About the only work now could be minor adjustments on the length of their solos.

“It will be swift,” he said of their time on the Lincoln Center stage, “but we'll be sure to savor every minute of it.”